Get rid of old wrecks, navigation hazards

Applications Accepted Through July 1

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that applications are now being accepted from harbormasters and other public entities for funding to cover the costs of removing, disposing and/or selling derelict and abandoned vessels and other obstructions in the tidal waters and tidal lands of the state. 

Funding will be provided through the Derelict and Abandoned Vessel and Obstruction Removal Commission.

An abandoned vessel is any vessel that is left unattended or has remained illegally on public property, including docks, boat launching ramps, or moorings for more than 45 days. This includes any vessel that has been found adrift and in a condition of disrepair as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the use of the waters and submerged lands of the state, or presents a potential health or environmental hazard. Owners of abandoned vessels include those that are known and located but unwilling to take control of the vessel, as well as those that are unknown or cannot be located.

A derelict vessel is a vessel whose owner is known and can be located, and who is able to exert control of a vessel that has been moored, anchored, or otherwise left in the waters or submerged lands of the State or on public property contrary to the rules adopted by an authorized public entity; is sunk or in danger of sinking; is obstructing a waterway; and/or is endangering life or property.

The Derelict and Abandoned Vessel and Obstruction Removal Commission was established by Rhode Island General Law in 2012. The Commission is chaired by Chief Steven Hall of DEM's Division of Law Enforcement. Commission members will review and score the applications and recommend projects for funding to DEM Director Janet Coit.

The deadline for submitting applications is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. Going forward, the Commission will accept applications for reimbursement two times per year, with deadlines on July 1 and November 1.

The application form is available on DEM's website at http://www.dem.ri.gov/abvessel.htm. Completed applications may be sent to: Derelict and Abandoned Vessel and Obstruction Removal Commission, c/o Division of Law Enforcement, Department of Environmental Management, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, R.I. 02908. They may also be submitted electronically to: DEM.EnforcementChief@dem.ri.gov.